“Open Source” Seeds Loosen Big Ag’s Grip on Farmers

Re:“Open Source” Seeds Loosen Big Ag’s Grip on Farmers by supportlocal4h on Saturday February 11, 2023 @08:10AM (#34752038)

Then you have a dispute about who owns the 10000s of acres and who to pay for the grazing rights. And who is responsible for maintaining all that range? And can somebody be tried twice for a mistake in their management of open range? Then people with and without badges show up with guns.

Ok, that hardly ever happens.

[ Parent | on HN ]

Re:“Open Source” Seeds Loosen Big Ag’s Grip on Farmers by tharkun__ on Saturday February 11, 2023 @08:32PM (#34758519)

I'm not sure I understand. Nowhere did I say anything about actually putting bison back out there in the way the settlers found things when they moved in.

But instead of planting lots of corn and feeding your barn full of cattle with it you can also own that same piece of land and sustainably make grass fed beef. Said beef would keep your soil fertile by trampling and shitting on it.

In addition to this your vet and meds bills will be lower to non existent because you don't get the same disease issues you get in cramped barn quarters.

[ Parent | on HN ]

Re:“Open Source” Seeds Loosen Big Ag’s Grip on Farmers by supportlocal4h on Sunday February 19, 2023 @05:29PM (#34862521)

In the USA, the BLM administers some 18000 permits to farmers and ranchers who pay them grazing fees.[0] Then cattle wander on that range exactly as you propose.

The BLM also employs snipers and gunmen to intimidate ranchers who don't pay the grazing fees. Some ranchers respond with impromptu militias.

Sometimes things escalate to the point that goverment agents kill protesters. Sometimes law enforcement officers get assassinated.

But mostly, cattle graze as you suggest and the BLM collects grazing fees.

[0] https://www.blm.gov/programs/natural-resources/rangelands-an...

[ Parent | on HN ]